SOUTH AFRICAN PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI 2023 AT A GLANCE
Oct 15-28, 2023
Welcome to Solo Sister Safaris African Photographic Safari 2023! Here you will find every photographers dream trip – from the best photographical set ups and opportunities, in some of the best locations, with a species list that will leave you in awe. Everything from the iconic African species, including the Big 5, and experiencing Cheetah on foot. You will share activities between game drives and photographic hides. Zimanga Private Game Reserve has built world class hides tailored to the needs of the wildlife and bird photographer. Overnight sessions in the hides will provide you a peek into the nocturnal behavior of animals that you would otherwise never experience. In addition, you will have the opportunity to photograph the only Wild Bengal Tigers outside of Asia, in the magnificent vista at Tiger Canyon. This journey is a MUST for the person who wants to see Africa through the lens of a National Geographic style perspective.
Includes
✓ All accommodations
✓ All activities at Zimanga and Tiger Canyon
✓ All meals and select beverages at game lodges
✓ All ground transportation
✓ Photographic Tuition and use of Gimbals and Tripods in hides
✓ Flight from Durban to Bloemfontein and overnight accommodation between private game reserve stays
Excludes
✓ International Flights & Domestic flights (Arrival to Durban & Departure from Bloemfontein)
✓ Gratuities to guides and service staff
✓ Insurance
✓ Items of a personal nature
Zimanga Private Game Reserve is a conservation-orientated activity-based destination and the first stop on our African photographic safari journey. The unique nature of this reserve makes it one to be revered as a leading African wildlife photography destination, striving to push the boundaries of a new wildlife experience. While at Zimanga you will alternate game drive activities with photographic hides.
The hides allow photographers a non-intrusive method of wildlife photography and although the subjects are free-roaming, and hence no sighting is guaranteed, the hides tip the balance heavily in favour of the photographer to get that amazing shot. Where possible Zimanga’s hides harness the power of the sun, with all the electricity demands for the hides met by solar installations.
Photographic Safari Bird Hides
Photographic Safari Overnight Hides
Game Drive Vehicle Photographic Safaris
Inside the Hides
Zimanga Main Lodge
Once you have visited Tiger Canyon, you’ll know why it is different. Besides the obvious tiger which sets them apart, there are antelope that are typically not seen in the game reserves of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces. The solar powered lodge on the canyon, the vehicles, the vistas, the surreal spirituality, the stars, their guides, their fences, the night drives, the golden hour for photography, the personal touch – all go together to make Tiger Canyon distinctly different… definitely not average!
The Tigers of Tiger Canyon
The Cheetah of Tiger Canyon
How photographers enjoy the Cheetah at Tiger Canyon
Tigress Julia Lodge
https://calendly.com/rocknroars/30-minute-safari-talk-with-jen
Set up a Zoom call if you want to arrange a virtual chat about any details of this trip…
Send an email to if you have a list of questions you would like answered…
For bookings, please make arrangements with Jen through email, message her on Whats App at 403-969-1777, or book the zoom using above link!
Photographic Safari 2023 Simplified Itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrival at Durban Airport.
DAY 2 – Travel to Zimanga Private Game Reserve.
DAY 8 – Ground travel to Durban. Flight from Durban to Johannesburg including overnight accommodation.
DAY 9. – Flight to Bloemfontein. Ground transport to Tiger Canyon.
DAY 14 – Ground transport from Tiger Canyon to Bloemfontein Airport for final flight to connecting International airport.
Photographic Safari 2023 Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive at Durban Airport. Flights arrive from Johannesburg & Cape Town numerous times per day. Accommodation will be available for guest arrival at anytime on the 15th or evening on the 14th.
DAY 2
Depart in the morning for Zimanga Private Game Reserve. Get settled into your accomodation before enjoying a delicious lunch. We will meet to partake in your first afternoon activity. Dinner time is enjoyed after return from the evening game drive or hide session.
DAY 3-7
Each day you begin with a 5:30am activity. Breakfast is enjoyed after return to the lodge. Between drives you will have time to enjoy the pool, some rest n relaxation, or photography review. Lunch is served early afternoon. Afternoon activity is followed by dinner. Please see Q&A for activity details.
DAY 8
Final morning activity followed by breakfast at Zimanga. We will depart and head back to Durbin. We will catch an included domestic flight to Joberg where we will stay overnight.
DAY 9
We will depart our accommodation for the airport to fly to Bloemfontein where will ground transport to Tiger Canyon. We will embark on our first game drive soon after arriving. After game drive you will enjoy your Karoo inspired meal.
DAY 10-13
Morning game drive to start your day, with breakfast to follow. Leisure time through the day, with a lunch in the early afternoon. Going for a nature walk is optional – just tip the guide. Afternoon activity followed by dinner.
DAY 14
Morning activity followed by breakfast before we depart to Bloemfontein airport where you will depart to your destination airport.
African Photographic Safari 2023 Q&A
What are the activities at Zimanga Private Game Reserve?
At Zimanga your itinerary will comprise of 5 game drives in the safari vehicle and photographic hide visits. You will have one activity of each per day. There are 9 total hides. Our stay will include 1 Birdbath hide session with a choice between Mkhombe and Bhejane Hides; 1 Lagoon Hide Session; 1 Vulture Hide Session; 1 Umgodi and 1 Tamboti Overnight Hide session (activity dramatically influenced by rainfall). A recent addition to activities is the custom-built Zimanga Photo Boat. This craft is always available for guests to use and is based at its permanent mooring on the large Hlambanyathi dam. No bookings are required for the boat, so please inform your ranger during your visit if you would like to spend some time on the water and our rangers will keep their eyes peeled for activity around the main lake.
What is an overnight hide?
Overnight hide sessions are 15-18 hours long. These hides are well equipped with bunk beds, toilet facilities, kitchen facilities and are air conditioned (as are all the underground hides). Illuminating floodlights provide true to life colours while inferred beam network keeps a watch for approaching animals to alert occupants of the approaching activity.
What do I need to wear on safari?
It is strongly advised that guests wear black clothing in the hides. Furthermore, please pack in extra socks, as neither shoes nor barefoot walking are permitted in the hides. Back gloves may also help remove any chance of reflection glare in your images. On game drive vehicle wearing natural colour clothing is advised so as to not stand out in the environment. Closed shoes – no flips flops. Avoid perfume. Hat and sunscreen is advised for the sunny parts of the day. Dress in layers as temperatures change with the sun going down.
What came gear and accessories do I need?
No beanbags are available at the Zimanga lodge, but rice is supplied to fill up each guest’s personal bean bag. Tripods and Gimbals are already installed at the hides for your optional use. Drones are not allowed. A range of focal lengths may be utilized on this trip. Anything from a 400mm-600mm length is quite suitable for safari on the long end. However, for larger mammals, bird hide photography, and landscape, wider angles and the 24-70mm or 70-200mm range are quite versatile.
What medical information do I need to know?
According to the latest National Department of Health guidelines and maps, Zimanga Private Game Reserve is not located in a malaria area, although the low risk malaria area starts from the Lebombo Mountains visible in the distance. The recommendation is that high risk visitors (elderly guests, pregnant women etc) need to take anti-malarial precautions. We do, however, always suggest that guests discuss this with their own doctor and follow their own medical practitioner’s advice.
African tick bite fever is present on Zimanga. It can be contracted after coming in contact with infected ticks found on wild animals. It is inconvenient but not life threatening. Guests should follow the advice and guidelines provided to minimize the risk of tick bites.
Zimanga does have comprehensive medical evacuation insurance and a doctor’s advice is available 24 hours a day on their Crisis Call Centre. This in no way replaces your normal travel insurance and while emergency evacuation tothe nearest hospital is guaranteed should you suffer either severe illness or injury, this does not cover the cost of treatment once in hospital. It is essential that guests inform the lodge of any notable medical conditions before arrival as there are certain medical exclusions that require pre-approval.
Tiger Canyon is malaria free.
No vaccinations are required for entry in South Africa but your practitioner may have recommendations you may choose to consider. Our journey will take us through the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
What amenities will we have access to?
Zimanga Lodge offers a complimentary laundry service available. Tiger Canyon does also. Wifi is available at both locations although I recommend keeping your connection to the outside world limited to check ins. The more disconnected you are with technology, the more reconnected you will become with nature.
